The Lyriad Meteor Shower

This week on the night of April 21-22, the famous Lyriad Meteor shower will be visible a few hours before dawn.

Meteor showers are named for their point of origin, being in this case the constellation Lyra (The Harp). However, the place where this meteor shower is coming from is also the place where we are going.

Astronomers say the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and the entire solar system are moving toward the bright star Vega, in the constellation Lyra, at about 40,000 miles per hour. Vega, the fifth brightest star in the sky, means “He shall be Exalted.” It is part of the Summer Triangle and, with fellow triangle stars Deneb (The Lord Comes), and Altair (The Wounding) tells the Genesis 3:15 story of the Seed of Woman who will come, be wounded, and be exalted.

Vega is located in the constellation Lyra (The Harp), which is pictured as a harp with wings of an eagle. It represents God’s Holy Spirit which comes to live in those who are His children. The meaning of the name of Vega (He shall be Exalted) illustrates that the primary function of the Holy Spirit is to exalt the Christ in the believer. The association of the Holy Spirit with the harp illustrates the role that the Spirit plays in the praise of God and the power of music in the praise and worship of God.

Lyra is one of the constellations associated with Sagittarius (The Archer) the sign of the Advent of Christ. Lyra, along with the constellation Ara (The Altar), picturing a blazing altar, reminds us of John the Baptist’s promise that Christ would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11).

Vega will be directly overhead at Zenith in the early morning. Its constellation Lyra contains two double stars which are beautiful binocular objects. Take a look in the early morning while you are enjoying the meteor shower.